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Streetgate

The White Elephant School

This curiously named school opened in 1923 and closed in 1963. The reason for its name has been lost in the mists of time. The building was erected in 1914 and was burnt down in a mysterious fire in 1975. A bungalow called "High Trees" is now on the site. It was named after the high trees in its grounds which were in the school yard. The caretaker lived in a cottage where the police houses are now. Lottie Brabban was the caretaker at one time and there is a wood named after her (Lottie's Wood) on the opposite side of the road at the entrance to the Whinney Fields.

There was just one big room for the classes - they were open plan before their time! There were just 3 headteachers in the lifetime of the school.



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